EP1965246B1 - Liquid crystal display device with flexible printed circuit cabling - Google Patents

Liquid crystal display device with flexible printed circuit cabling Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1965246B1
EP1965246B1 EP08003735A EP08003735A EP1965246B1 EP 1965246 B1 EP1965246 B1 EP 1965246B1 EP 08003735 A EP08003735 A EP 08003735A EP 08003735 A EP08003735 A EP 08003735A EP 1965246 B1 EP1965246 B1 EP 1965246B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
frame
flexible printed
display device
crystal display
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
EP08003735A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1965246A1 (en
Inventor
Kazuya Tanaka
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Funai Electric Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Funai Electric Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Funai Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Funai Electric Co Ltd
Publication of EP1965246A1 publication Critical patent/EP1965246A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1965246B1 publication Critical patent/EP1965246B1/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1345Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
    • G02F1/13452Conductors connecting driver circuitry and terminals of panels
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G02B6/0021Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0083Details of electrical connections of light sources to drivers, circuit boards, or the like
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133615Edge-illuminating devices, i.e. illuminating from the side
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0066Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form characterised by the light source being coupled to the light guide
    • G02B6/0073Light emitting diode [LED]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05KPRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00Printed circuits
    • H05K1/02Details
    • H05K1/14Structural association of two or more printed circuits
    • H05K1/147Structural association of two or more printed circuits at least one of the printed circuits being bent or folded, e.g. by using a flexible printed circuit

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a liquid crystal display device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a liquid crystal display device is known from JP 2007 041263 A .
  • a conventional liquid crystal display device includes a frame 101, a liquid crystal cell 102, a light guide plate 103, a metal bezel 105, a polarizing plate 115, a prism sheet 116, a diffusion sheet 117 and a reinforcing plate 118.
  • the frame 101 is made of a synthetic resin and is open at a front face.
  • the frame 101 includes a base plate 101 a and upper, lower, left, and right side plates 101b to 101c protruding integrally from outer peripheral edges of the base plate 101a.
  • a liquid crystal cell 102 and a light guide plate 103 are disposed within the frame 101.
  • the light guide plate 103 is made of an acrylic resin or other such translucent resin.
  • LEDs Light emitting diodes
  • Latching tabs 106 protrude integrally from outer peripheral faces of the side plates 101b to 101e.
  • the latching tabs 106 are engaged in latching holes 105a formed in the side plates of the metal bezel 105.
  • the metal bezel 105 is removably fitted to the frame 101 in a state of holding down outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal cell 102.
  • a cell drive-use lead wire 107 and a lighting-use lead wire 108 are extended to outside the frame 101.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 107 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell 102.
  • the lighting-use lead wire 108 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to the LEDs. Furthermore, one end of the lighting-use lead wire 108 is electrically coupled to the cell drive-use lead wire 107.
  • the lighting-use lead wire 108 is formed in a T shape by a lead wire main body 108a and an extension wire 108b.
  • the lead wire main body 108a is for mounting the LEDs.
  • the extension wire 108b protrudes integrally from the lead wire main body 108a.
  • the lead wire main body 108a and the extension wire 108b include a printed circuit 111 and two insulating films 109 and 110 formed on both sides of the printed circuit 111.
  • One insulating film 109 is partially removed to expose lands 111a of the printed circuit 111 in a middle portion and at both ends of the lead wire main body 108a.
  • the LEDs are attached with solder S to the lands 111a.
  • the other insulating film 110 is also partially removed to expose lands 111b of the printed circuit 111 at the end of the extension wire 108b.
  • the LEDs are affixed to a rear face of the liquid crystal cell 102 by a double-sided adhesive 113 via the lead wire main body 108a and a light blocking tape 112 in order to fix the LEDs at proper locations within the gap 104.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 107 has the same structure as the lighting-use lead wire 108.
  • the lands 111b of the extension wire 108b are connected to the lands 111c of the printed circuit 111, which are exposed by partially removing the insulating film 109 of the cell drive-use lead wire 107.
  • the reinforcing plate 118 is made of a synthetic resin and fastened to the end of the cell drive-use lead wire 107.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 107 is connected to a drive circuit via a connector 114 to emit light from the LEDs.
  • the emitted light goes through the light guide plate 103 and illuminates the liquid crystal cell 102 from behind.
  • Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2005-173302 discloses a liquid crystal display device having a similar structure.
  • the conventional liquid crystal display device not only the insulating film 109 formed on one side of the printed circuit 111, but also the insulating film 110 formed on the other side of the printed circuit 111 has to be partially removed to expose the lands 111a and 111b.
  • the number of process to produce the conventional liquid crystal display device is increased, which correspondingly increase the production expense.
  • JP 2007 041263 A discloses an LCD device with an LED edge-illumination-type backlight unit, the device having a common driver for the LEDs of the backlight unit and the LCD panel.
  • the LCD panel is electrically connected to the common driver via a first flexible printed circuit cable, whereas a second flexible printed circuit cable connects the LEDs to said first flexible printed circuit cable in order to establish an electrical connection between the common driver and the LEDs.
  • JP 2006 139020 A discloses an LCD assembly with an edge-illuminated lightguide backlight, the assembly including a frame member and a bezel removably attached to the frame member.
  • JP 2004 258060 A discloses a backlight assembly wherein a main portion of a branch flexible board substrate having LEDs mounted on one of its sides is laid out on the base plate of a housing frame, and a light guide plate with lateral cutouts for receiving the LEDs and an LCD panel are stacked in this order on the branch flexible board substrate (29).
  • the branch flexible board substrate also has an extension portion which is connected to a flexible wiring substrate, with the two flexible substrates being however integrally formed.
  • the housing frame houses the LCD panel, the light source and the light guide plate.
  • US 2007/030700 A1 discloses a backlight module with light guide plate secured to a frame member by protruding portions of the light guide plate which are engaged by corresponding recesses formed in the frame member.
  • the present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which the process to produce the liquid crystal display device is simplified. Such an object is achieved by the device according to claim 1.
  • a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell, a light source, a light guide plate, a first flexible printed cable and a second flexible printed cable.
  • the light source is configured to emit light.
  • the light guide plate is configured to guide the light to illuminate the liquid crystal cell.
  • the first flexible printed cable is electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell.
  • the second flexible printed cable is electrically coupled between the light source and the first flexible printed cable.
  • the second flexible printed cable has a printed circuit, a first insulating film formed on one side of the printed circuit and a second insulating film formed on the other side of the printed circuit. The printed circuit is partially exposed on the one side of the printed circuit to form a first land that is electrically coupled to the light source and a second land that is electrically coupled to the first flexible printed cable.
  • FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a liquid crystal display device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the liquid crystal display device is used, for example, as a display component of a laser printer.
  • the liquid crystal display device includes a frame 1, a liquid crystal cell (e.g., electric component means) 2, a light guide plate (e.g., light guide means) 3, a metal bezel 5, a cell drive-use lead wire (e.g., first flexible printed cable or first electric connection means) 7, a lighting-use lead wire (e.g., second flexible printed cable or second electric connection means) 8, a plurality of light emitting diodes (e.g., light source or light emitting means) LEDs, a polarizing plate 15, a prism sheet 16, a diffusion sheet 17 and a reinforcing plate 18.
  • the frame 1 is made of a synthetic resin and is open at a front face.
  • the frame 1 includes a base plate 1a and upper, lower, left, and right side plates 1b to 1e protruding integrally from outer peripheral edges of the base plate 1a.
  • the liquid crystal cell 2 and the light guide plate 3 are disposed within the frame 1.
  • Latching tabs 6 protrude integrally from outer peripheral faces of the side plates 1b to 1e.
  • the latching tabs 6 are engaged in latching holes 5a formed in the side plates of the metal bezel 5.
  • the metal bezel 5 is removably fitted to the frame 1 in a state of holding down outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal cell 2.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 7 and the lighting-use lead wire 8 are extended to outside the frame 1.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 7 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell 2.
  • the lighting-use lead wire 8 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to light emitting diodes (LEDs). Furthermore, one end of the lighting-use lead wire 8 is electrically coupled to the cell drive-use lead wire 7.
  • the lighting-use lead wire 8 is formed in a T shape by a lead wire main body (e.g., main portion) 8a and an extension wire (e.g., extension portion) 8b.
  • the lead wire main body 8a is used for mounting the LEDs.
  • the extension wire 8b extends integrally from the lead wire main body 8a.
  • the lead wire main body 8a and the extension wire 8b include a printed circuit 11 and two insulating films (e.g., first and second insulating films) 9 and 10 formed on both sides of the printed circuit 11.
  • the LEDs include a pair of left and right LEDs provided at two lateral ends of the lead wire main body 8a of the lighting-use lead wire 8.
  • the LEDs are disposed on the lead wire main body 8a so that the LEDs protrude frontward from the lead wire main body 8a.
  • a groove (e.g., groove portion) 20 is formed in a bottom face of the base plate 1 a, along the lower plate 1c of the frame 1 and opposite the lead wire main body 8a. As shown in FIG. 4 , a depth d of the groove 20 is set substantially equal to a thickness t of the lead wire main body 8a.
  • an insertion rccess (e.g., access portion) 21 for inserting the extension wire 8b is formed in the lower plate 1c.
  • the light guide plate 3 is made of an acrylic resin or other such translucent resin.
  • a reflective sheet 22 is disposed on a rear face of the light guide plate 3.
  • the reflective sheet 22 has substantially the same shape as the light guide plate 3.
  • Each of the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22 includes fitting holes (e.g., fitting hole portion) 23 and a pair of left and right hook components 24.
  • the fitting holes 23 are formed in the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22 so that each of the LEDs is fitted in the fitting holes 23 from a rear side of the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22.
  • the left and right hook components (e.g., hook portion) 24 protrude integrally from side edges of the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22.
  • the left and right hook components 24 engage engagement recesses 25 formed in inner peripheral faces of the left and right side plates 1d and 1e of the frame 1.
  • lands e.g., first and second lands or first and second electric coupling means
  • the lands 11 a and 11b of the printed circuit 11 are formed on only one side of the lighting-use lead wire 8 by partially removing the insulating film 9 formed on the one side of the printed circuit 11.
  • the lands 11 a and 11b are formed on the same side of the lighting-use lead wire 8.
  • the lands 11a are formed on the lead wire main body 8a at lateral ends of the lead wire main body 8a.
  • the lands 11b are formed on the extension wire 8b at the end of the extension wire 8b.
  • the LEDs are electrically coupled with solder S to the lands 11a of the lead wire main body 8a.
  • lands 11b of the extension wire 8b are electrically coupled to lands 11a formed on the cell drive-use lead wire 7. No removal work is performed on the insulating film 10.
  • a light blocking layer 26 is formed at front end faces of the LEDs so that light will not directly leak out from the front end faces of the LEDs to the front side of the liquid crystal display device.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 7 has the same structure as the lighting-use lead wire 8.
  • the lands 11b of the extension wire 8b are connected to the lands 11c of the printed circuit 11 exposed by partially removing the insulating film 9 of the cell drive-use lead wire 7.
  • the reinforcing plate 18 is made of a synthetic resin and fastened to the end of the cell drive-use lead wire 7.
  • the lead wire main body 8a is fitted into the groove 20 with the LEDs facing the front side of the frame 1.
  • the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22 are inserted in the frame 1 from the front side of the frame 1.
  • the hook components 24 are engaged in the engagement recesses 25.
  • the LEDs are fitted in the fitting holes 23 formed in the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22.
  • the lead wire main body 8a is sandwiched between the light guide plate 3 and a bottom face of the groove 20.
  • the liquid crystal cell 2 is inserted in the frame 1 from the front side of the frame 1.
  • the bezel 5 is fitted to the frame 1.
  • the latching tabs 6 are engaged in the latching holes 5a of the bezel 5.
  • the cell drive-use lead wire 7 is electrically coupled to a drive circuit (not shown) via a connector 14.
  • the drive circuit drives the liquid crystal cell 2 and the LEDs.
  • the LEDs are electrically coupled to the drive circuit via the cell drive-use lead wire 7 and the lighting-use lead wire 8 to emit the light.
  • the emitted light goes through the light guide plate 3 and illuminates the liquid crystal cell 2 from behind. Specifically, the light guide plate 3 guides the emitted light and illuminates the liquid crystal cell 2 to display an image.
  • the lead wire main body 8a With the liquid crystal display device, the lead wire main body 8a is fitted into the groove 20. Then, the lead wire main body 8a is sandwiched between the light guide plate 3 and the bottom face of the groove 20. Thus, the LEDs and the lead wire main body 8a are securely fixed in specific positions. Since there is no need for special fixing means, such as the double-sided adhesive 113 shown in FIG. 7 , as was required in the conventional liquid crystal display device for the fixing, there is a corresponding reduction in the number of parts and the production expense.
  • the LEDs With the liquid crystal display device, the LEDs are fitted into the fitting holes 23 of the light guide plate 3. Therefore, the light can be projected from the LEDs more efficiently and concentrated more toward the light guide plate 3. Also, the fitting holes 23 are formed only slightly larger than the LEDs. Thus, a gap formed between the fitting holes 23 and the LEDs become smaller. As a result, the leakage of the light leaked directly from the fitting holes 23 to the front side of the liquid crystal display device is substantially eliminated. Therefore, the light blocking tape 112 as shown in FIG. 7 can be omitted. Furthermore, the LEDs can be properly positioned and fixed with a simple structure. Moreover, there is a corresponding reduction in the number of parts and the production expense.
  • the light guide plate 3 is inserted in the frame 1 and fixed by engaging the hook components 24 in the engagement recesses 25.
  • the lead wire main body 8a can be securely held down by the light guide plate 3.
  • the light guide plate 3 can be prevented from accidentally coming out of the frame 1. Thus, assembly work can be performed more quickly and easily.
  • the lands 11a and 11b are used for connecting the lighting-use lead wire 8 with the LEDs and the cell drive-use lead wire 7.
  • the lands 11a and 11b are formed on the same side of the lighting-use lead wire 8.
  • the lands 11 a and 11b can be formed at the same time (with a single process) by partially removing the insulating film 9.
  • the lands 11a and 11b can be formed by partially removing the insulating film 9 located at the end of the extension wire 8b and at suitable locations of the lead wire main body 8a.
  • the removal process only has to be performed for one insulating film. As a result, the number of process to produce the liquid crystal display device can be decreased.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007- 048485 filed on February 28, 2007.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
  • The present invention generally relates to a liquid crystal display device according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is known from JP 2007 041263 A .
  • Background Information
  • As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a conventional liquid crystal display device includes a frame 101, a liquid crystal cell 102, a light guide plate 103, a metal bezel 105, a polarizing plate 115, a prism sheet 116, a diffusion sheet 117 and a reinforcing plate 118. The frame 101 is made of a synthetic resin and is open at a front face. The frame 101 includes a base plate 101 a and upper, lower, left, and right side plates 101b to 101c protruding integrally from outer peripheral edges of the base plate 101a. A liquid crystal cell 102 and a light guide plate 103 are disposed within the frame 101. The light guide plate 103 is made of an acrylic resin or other such translucent resin. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disposed in a gap 104 formed between the light guide plate 103 and the lower side plate 101c of the frame 101. Latching tabs 106 protrude integrally from outer peripheral faces of the side plates 101b to 101e. The latching tabs 106 are engaged in latching holes 105a formed in the side plates of the metal bezel 105. The metal bezel 105 is removably fitted to the frame 101 in a state of holding down outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal cell 102.
  • A cell drive-use lead wire 107 and a lighting-use lead wire 108 are extended to outside the frame 101. The cell drive-use lead wire 107 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell 102. The lighting-use lead wire 108 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to the LEDs. Furthermore, one end of the lighting-use lead wire 108 is electrically coupled to the cell drive-use lead wire 107.
  • As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the lighting-use lead wire 108 is formed in a T shape by a lead wire main body 108a and an extension wire 108b. The lead wire main body 108a is for mounting the LEDs. The extension wire 108b protrudes integrally from the lead wire main body 108a. The lead wire main body 108a and the extension wire 108b include a printed circuit 111 and two insulating films 109 and 110 formed on both sides of the printed circuit 111. One insulating film 109 is partially removed to expose lands 111a of the printed circuit 111 in a middle portion and at both ends of the lead wire main body 108a. The LEDs are attached with solder S to the lands 111a. The other insulating film 110 is also partially removed to expose lands 111b of the printed circuit 111 at the end of the extension wire 108b.
  • As shown in FIG. 7, the LEDs are affixed to a rear face of the liquid crystal cell 102 by a double-sided adhesive 113 via the lead wire main body 108a and a light blocking tape 112 in order to fix the LEDs at proper locations within the gap 104.
  • As shown in FIG. 7, the cell drive-use lead wire 107 has the same structure as the lighting-use lead wire 108. The lands 111b of the extension wire 108b are connected to the lands 111c of the printed circuit 111, which are exposed by partially removing the insulating film 109 of the cell drive-use lead wire 107. The reinforcing plate 118 is made of a synthetic resin and fastened to the end of the cell drive-use lead wire 107.
  • The cell drive-use lead wire 107 is connected to a drive circuit via a connector 114 to emit light from the LEDs. The emitted light goes through the light guide plate 103 and illuminates the liquid crystal cell 102 from behind. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2005-173302 discloses a liquid crystal display device having a similar structure.
  • With the conventional liquid crystal display device, not only the insulating film 109 formed on one side of the printed circuit 111, but also the insulating film 110 formed on the other side of the printed circuit 111 has to be partially removed to expose the lands 111a and 111b. Thus, the number of process to produce the conventional liquid crystal display device is increased, which correspondingly increase the production expense.
  • JP 2007 041263 A discloses an LCD device with an LED edge-illumination-type backlight unit, the device having a common driver for the LEDs of the backlight unit and the LCD panel. The LCD panel is electrically connected to the common driver via a first flexible printed circuit cable, whereas a second flexible printed circuit cable connects the LEDs to said first flexible printed circuit cable in order to establish an electrical connection between the common driver and the LEDs.
  • JP 2006 139020 A discloses an LCD assembly with an edge-illuminated lightguide backlight, the assembly including a frame member and a bezel removably attached to the frame member.
  • JP 2004 258060 A discloses a backlight assembly wherein a main portion of a branch flexible board substrate having LEDs mounted on one of its sides is laid out on the base plate of a housing frame, and a light guide plate with lateral cutouts for receiving the LEDs and an LCD panel are stacked in this order on the branch flexible board substrate (29). The branch flexible board substrate also has an extension portion which is connected to a flexible wiring substrate, with the two flexible substrates being however integrally formed. The housing frame houses the LCD panel, the light source and the light guide plate.
  • US 2007/030700 A1 discloses a backlight module with light guide plate secured to a frame member by protruding portions of the light guide plate which are engaged by corresponding recesses formed in the frame member.
  • In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved liquid crystal display device. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which the process to produce the liquid crystal display device is simplified. Such an object is achieved by the device according to claim 1.
  • In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present Invention, a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell, a light source, a light guide plate, a first flexible printed cable and a second flexible printed cable. The light source is configured to emit light. The light guide plate is configured to guide the light to illuminate the liquid crystal cell. The first flexible printed cable is electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell. The second flexible printed cable is electrically coupled between the light source and the first flexible printed cable. The second flexible printed cable has a printed circuit, a first insulating film formed on one side of the printed circuit and a second insulating film formed on the other side of the printed circuit. The printed circuit is partially exposed on the one side of the printed circuit to form a first land that is electrically coupled to the light source and a second land that is electrically coupled to the first flexible printed cable.
  • These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses selected embodiments of the present invention.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
    • FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a liquid crystal display device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
    • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the liquid crystal display device taken along II-II line shown in FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the liquid crystal display device taken along III-III line shown in FIG. 2;
    • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal display device illustrated in FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a flexible printed circuit of the liquid crystal display device illustrated in FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of the liquid crystal display device taken along V B-V B line shown in FIG. 5A;
    • FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a conventional liquid crystal display device;
    • FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the conventional liquid crystal display device taken along VII-VII line shown in FIG. 6;
    • FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a flexible printed circuit of the conventional liquid crystal display device illustrated in FIG. 6; and
    • FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view of the conventional liquid crystal display device taken along VIII B-VIII B line shown in FIG. 8A.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
  • FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a liquid crystal display device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal display device is used, for example, as a display component of a laser printer.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the liquid crystal display device includes a frame 1, a liquid crystal cell (e.g., electric component means) 2, a light guide plate (e.g., light guide means) 3, a metal bezel 5, a cell drive-use lead wire (e.g., first flexible printed cable or first electric connection means) 7, a lighting-use lead wire (e.g., second flexible printed cable or second electric connection means) 8, a plurality of light emitting diodes (e.g., light source or light emitting means) LEDs, a polarizing plate 15, a prism sheet 16, a diffusion sheet 17 and a reinforcing plate 18. The frame 1 is made of a synthetic resin and is open at a front face. The frame 1 includes a base plate 1a and upper, lower, left, and right side plates 1b to 1e protruding integrally from outer peripheral edges of the base plate 1a. The liquid crystal cell 2 and the light guide plate 3 are disposed within the frame 1. Latching tabs 6 protrude integrally from outer peripheral faces of the side plates 1b to 1e. The latching tabs 6 are engaged in latching holes 5a formed in the side plates of the metal bezel 5. The metal bezel 5 is removably fitted to the frame 1 in a state of holding down outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal cell 2.
  • The cell drive-use lead wire 7 and the lighting-use lead wire 8 are extended to outside the frame 1. The cell drive-use lead wire 7 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell 2. The lighting-use lead wire 8 includes a flexible printed cable electrically coupled to light emitting diodes (LEDs). Furthermore, one end of the lighting-use lead wire 8 is electrically coupled to the cell drive-use lead wire 7.
  • As shown in FIG. 5A, the lighting-use lead wire 8 is formed in a T shape by a lead wire main body (e.g., main portion) 8a and an extension wire (e.g., extension portion) 8b. The lead wire main body 8a is used for mounting the LEDs. The extension wire 8b extends integrally from the lead wire main body 8a. The lead wire main body 8a and the extension wire 8b include a printed circuit 11 and two insulating films (e.g., first and second insulating films) 9 and 10 formed on both sides of the printed circuit 11.
  • The LEDs include a pair of left and right LEDs provided at two lateral ends of the lead wire main body 8a of the lighting-use lead wire 8. The LEDs are disposed on the lead wire main body 8a so that the LEDs protrude frontward from the lead wire main body 8a. A groove (e.g., groove portion) 20 is formed in a bottom face of the base plate 1 a, along the lower plate 1c of the frame 1 and opposite the lead wire main body 8a. As shown in FIG. 4, a depth d of the groove 20 is set substantially equal to a thickness t of the lead wire main body 8a. Furthermore, an insertion rccess (e.g., access portion) 21 for inserting the extension wire 8b is formed in the lower plate 1c.
  • The light guide plate 3 is made of an acrylic resin or other such translucent resin. A reflective sheet 22 is disposed on a rear face of the light guide plate 3. The reflective sheet 22 has substantially the same shape as the light guide plate 3. Each of the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22 includes fitting holes (e.g., fitting hole portion) 23 and a pair of left and right hook components 24. The fitting holes 23 are formed in the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22 so that each of the LEDs is fitted in the fitting holes 23 from a rear side of the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22.
  • The left and right hook components (e.g., hook portion) 24 protrude integrally from side edges of the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22. The left and right hook components 24 engage engagement recesses 25 formed in inner peripheral faces of the left and right side plates 1d and 1e of the frame 1.
  • As show in FIG. 5, lands (e.g., first and second lands or first and second electric coupling means) 11a and 11b of the printed circuit 11 are formed on only one side of the lighting-use lead wire 8 by partially removing the insulating film 9 formed on the one side of the printed circuit 11. In other words, the lands 11 a and 11b are formed on the same side of the lighting-use lead wire 8. Specifically, the lands 11a are formed on the lead wire main body 8a at lateral ends of the lead wire main body 8a. The lands 11b are formed on the extension wire 8b at the end of the extension wire 8b. The LEDs are electrically coupled with solder S to the lands 11a of the lead wire main body 8a. The lands 11b of the extension wire 8b are electrically coupled to lands 11a formed on the cell drive-use lead wire 7. No removal work is performed on the insulating film 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a light blocking layer 26 is formed at front end faces of the LEDs so that light will not directly leak out from the front end faces of the LEDs to the front side of the liquid crystal display device.
  • The cell drive-use lead wire 7 has the same structure as the lighting-use lead wire 8. The lands 11b of the extension wire 8b are connected to the lands 11c of the printed circuit 11 exposed by partially removing the insulating film 9 of the cell drive-use lead wire 7. The reinforcing plate 18 is made of a synthetic resin and fastened to the end of the cell drive-use lead wire 7.
  • The assembly procedure will now be described. First, the lead wire main body 8a is fitted into the groove 20 with the LEDs facing the front side of the frame 1. The light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22 are inserted in the frame 1 from the front side of the frame 1. The hook components 24 are engaged in the engagement recesses 25. Thus, the LEDs are fitted in the fitting holes 23 formed in the light guide plate 3 and the reflective sheet 22. As a result, the lead wire main body 8a is sandwiched between the light guide plate 3 and a bottom face of the groove 20. The liquid crystal cell 2 is inserted in the frame 1 from the front side of the frame 1. The bezel 5 is fitted to the frame 1. Then, the latching tabs 6 are engaged in the latching holes 5a of the bezel 5.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, the cell drive-use lead wire 7 is electrically coupled to a drive circuit (not shown) via a connector 14. The drive circuit drives the liquid crystal cell 2 and the LEDs. The LEDs are electrically coupled to the drive circuit via the cell drive-use lead wire 7 and the lighting-use lead wire 8 to emit the light. The emitted light goes through the light guide plate 3 and illuminates the liquid crystal cell 2 from behind. Specifically, the light guide plate 3 guides the emitted light and illuminates the liquid crystal cell 2 to display an image.
  • With the liquid crystal display device, the lead wire main body 8a is fitted into the groove 20. Then, the lead wire main body 8a is sandwiched between the light guide plate 3 and the bottom face of the groove 20. Thus, the LEDs and the lead wire main body 8a are securely fixed in specific positions. Since there is no need for special fixing means, such as the double-sided adhesive 113 shown in FIG. 7, as was required in the conventional liquid crystal display device for the fixing, there is a corresponding reduction in the number of parts and the production expense.
  • With the liquid crystal display device, the LEDs are fitted into the fitting holes 23 of the light guide plate 3. Therefore, the light can be projected from the LEDs more efficiently and concentrated more toward the light guide plate 3. Also, the fitting holes 23 are formed only slightly larger than the LEDs. Thus, a gap formed between the fitting holes 23 and the LEDs become smaller. As a result, the leakage of the light leaked directly from the fitting holes 23 to the front side of the liquid crystal display device is substantially eliminated. Therefore, the light blocking tape 112 as shown in FIG. 7 can be omitted. Furthermore, the LEDs can be properly positioned and fixed with a simple structure. Moreover, there is a corresponding reduction in the number of parts and the production expense.
  • Furthermore, the light guide plate 3 is inserted in the frame 1 and fixed by engaging the hook components 24 in the engagement recesses 25. Thus, the lead wire main body 8a can be securely held down by the light guide plate 3. Furthermore, the light guide plate 3 can be prevented from accidentally coming out of the frame 1. Thus, assembly work can be performed more quickly and easily.
  • Moreover, the lands 11a and 11b are used for connecting the lighting-use lead wire 8 with the LEDs and the cell drive-use lead wire 7. The lands 11a and 11b are formed on the same side of the lighting-use lead wire 8. Thus, the lands 11 a and 11b can be formed at the same time (with a single process) by partially removing the insulating film 9. Specifically, the lands 11a and 11b can be formed by partially removing the insulating film 9 located at the end of the extension wire 8b and at suitable locations of the lead wire main body 8a. Thus, there is no need as in the lighting-use lead wire 108 to partially remove both the insulating film 109 and the insulating film 110 to form the lands 111a and 111b. Therefore, the removal process only has to be performed for one insulating film. As a result, the number of process to produce the liquid crystal display device can be decreased.
  • GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS
  • In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.
  • While only a preferred embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (7)

  1. A liquid crystal display device comprising:
    a liquid crystal cell (2);
    a light source (LED) configured to emit light;
    a light guide plate (3) configured to guide the light to illuminate the liquid crystal cell (2);
    a first flexible printed cable (7) electrically coupled to the liquid crystal cell (2); and
    a second flexible printed cable (8) electrically coupling the light source (LED) with the first flexible printed cable (7), the second flexible printed cable (8) having a printed circuit (11), a first insulating film (9) formed on one side of the printed circuit (11) and a second insulating film (10) formed on the other side of the printed circuit (11), with the printed circuit (11) being partially exposed on the one side of the printed circuit (11) to form a first land (11a) that is electrically coupled to the light source (LED) and a second land (11 b) that is electrically coupled to the first flexible printed cable (7);
    wherein the first insulating film (9) is partially removed to expose the first and second lands (11 a, 11 b), and
    the second flexible printed cable (8) includes a main portion (8a) on which the first land (11 a) is formed and an extension portion (8b) on which the second land (11 b) is formed, the extension portion (8b) extending from the main portion (8a),
    characterized by
    a frame (1) housing the liquid crystal cell (2), the light source (LED) and the light guide plate (3);
    wherein the frame (1) has a groove portion (20) formed in a base plate (1a) of the frame (1),
    the main portion (8a) of the second flexible printed cable (8) is fitted in the groove portion (20) and sandwiched between the bottom face of the groove portion (20) of the frame (1) and the light guide plate (3), and
    the light source (LED) is disposed on the main portion (8a) so that the light source (LED) protrudes towards the liquid crystal cell (2) from the main portion (8a).
  2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein
    the first flexible printed cable (7) is electrically coupled between the liquid crystal cell (2) and a drive circuit that is configured to drive the liquid crystal cell (2) and the light source (LED),
    the light source (LED) is configured to be driven by the drive circuit via the second flexible printed cable (8).
  3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein
    the second land (11 b) is formed at an end of the extension portion (8b).
  4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, further comprising
    a bezel (5) removably attached to the frame (1) to hold the liquid crystal cell (2) from a front side of the liquid crystal cell (2).
  5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein
    the frame (1) has an access portion (21) formed in a lower plate (1c) of the frame (1), and
    the extension portion (8b) of the second flexible printed cable (8) extends through the access portion (21).
  6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein
    the light guide plate (3) includes a fitting hole portion (23), and
    the light source (LED) is fitted into the fitting hole portion (23).
  7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein
    the frame (1) includes an engagement recess (25) formed in an inner peripheral face of the frame (1), and
    the light guide plate (3) includes a hook portion (24) protruding from an outer peripheral portion of the light guide plate (3) and engaging the engagement recess (25) of the frame (1).
EP08003735A 2007-02-28 2008-02-28 Liquid crystal display device with flexible printed circuit cabling Expired - Fee Related EP1965246B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2007048485A JP2008209818A (en) 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 Liquid crystal display

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EP1965246A1 EP1965246A1 (en) 2008-09-03
EP1965246B1 true EP1965246B1 (en) 2010-07-28

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DE (1) DE602008001906D1 (en)

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US20080204623A1 (en) 2008-08-28
JP2008209818A (en) 2008-09-11
DE602008001906D1 (en) 2010-09-09
EP1965246A1 (en) 2008-09-03
US7940353B2 (en) 2011-05-10

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